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Bill would allow boaters to use rearview mirrors with water skiers
TIFFANY L. PARKS
Special to the Legal News
Published: April 1, 2014
Rep. John Becker, R-Cincinnati, is campaigning for the passage of a bill that would alter Ohio law governing the towing of a water skier or other person by a water vessel.
The proposed legislation, House Bill 372, would permit boaters and operators of personal watercraft to tow skiers, tubers and other towables while using a rearview mirror.
According to a bill summary, current law states that the operator of a water vessel towing any person who is water skiing or riding on a surfboard or similar device must have a person acting as an observer, other than the operator, who can observe the person being towed at all times.
The observer, known as a spotter, must be at least 10 years old.
If enacted, HB 372 would require that the person operating the boat have a spotter or a rearview mirror mounted so that the operator can observe the activities of the person being towed, or both.
“Twenty-one states allow a rearview mirror or a spotter,” Becker said in sponsor testimony for the bill before the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security committee.
“Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee are three of the 21 and are frequented by Ohio boaters.”
Becker said the current spotter requirement creates enforcement problems on the Ohio River.
“The Ohio/Kentucky border is not marked and the water patrol simply does not enforce the spotter law on the Ohio River,” he said. “Therefore, the law is selectively enforced.”
Becker went on to say that on intra-state lakes and rivers, the law is frequently ignored by people on personal watercraft.
“When planning a day on the water, people sometimes cancel at the last minute,” he said.
“If that means only two people are going boating, that’s a problem. The decision has to be made to forgo watersports, cancel the trip or leave the state.”
Becker said the rearview mirror option would allow a parent and child to enjoy a day on the lake tubing and skiing.
“This will also eliminate confusion on the Ohio River and sync Ohio’s law with Kentucky’s and the 21 other states who allow a rearview mirror or a spotter,” he said, urging lawmakers to back the proposal so that “more people can enjoy Ohio’s lakes and rivers.”
HB 372 is co-sponsored by Reps. Ron Hood, R-Ashville, Gerald Stebelton, R-Lancaster, and Ryan Smith, R-Bidwell.
The bill has not been scheduled for additional hearings.
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